8 Most Affordable Towns To Retire In Missouri
Retirement often brings dreams of peaceful living, where a close-knit community and low cost of living create the perfect environment for a fulfilling lifestyle. Missouri has several small towns providing retirees with low-cost options for a comfortable and gratifying retirement. Moreover, the state has recently passed laws exempting Social Security benefits from taxes, making it a more tax-friendly destination for retirees. With low crime rates, high-quality healthcare, and numerous local attractions, Missouri's small towns can be excellent places to spend one's golden years.
Fulton
Fulton sits in the state's center and is the county seat of Callaway County, about 22 miles northeast of Jefferson City. The community has a strong educational heritage and is home to two universities, William Woods University and Westminster College. In addition, the Missouri School of the Deaf makes its home in Fulton. Retirees can explore historical sites such as the Churchill Memorial, The National Churchill Museum, or The Auto World Car Museum. In addition, the popular section of the 240-mile Katy Trail passes near the town, providing seniors with some of the state's most scenic biking and hiking trails.
The median home price is $165,000, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $875. Callaway Community Hospital, a 37-bed facility that can handle all medical issues, provides medical care. Fulton is an attractive area for seniors, with a cost of living 16% lower than the national average. In addition, close to 17% of the town's 12,721 residents are over 65, so there is strong community support for the services retirees need as they age.
The community's downtown area is the Brick District, named after the red cobblestone-lined streets and historic buildings. Visitors will enjoy the many shops, boutiques, and dining establishments, including Beks, an American gastropub and steakhouse serving delicious meals in a casual atmosphere.
Hannibal
Hannibal is well-known as the childhood home of Mark Twain, offering retirees an excellent option for an affordable and charming place to retire near the Mississippi River. The town sits in the state's northeast corner, boasting a rich river heritage that the famous author often incorporated into his literary works. Retirees will enjoy exploring the Mark Twain Cave or the boyhood home and museum. Hannibal is the home of Hannibal-Lagrange University, a private university that regularly offers music and performance events.
The average price for a home in Hannibal is $143,000. Most of the 17,000 residents turn to the Hannibal Regional Hospital, a 99-bed acute care facility for medical care. The cost of living is 18% lower than the national average, with excellent fuel and food expenses. In addition, nearly 19.0% of the community is over 65, so there are many activities for senior adults.
The downtown area has several historic buildings with plenty of boutiques and restaurants to sample. Labinnah Bistro is a must-visit high-end restaurant, serving exquisite food in an elegant atmosphere. If you need a casual place to dine, try Fiddlesticks Food and Spirits Company or The Brick Oven. For a place to stay, the Garth Woodside Mansion is a tranquil, upscale Bed and Breakfast that has been welcoming guests since the 1980s.
Sedalia
Sedalia is a town in Pettis County in the central part of Missouri, with a population of nearly 22,000. Sedalia hosts the Missouri State Fair every summer, a popular 11-day event attracting many tourists. (The fair features daily concerts, livestock and homemade crafts exhibits, and various food and drink venues for visitors to enjoy). Retirees can visit the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, The Bothwell Lodge Historic Site, and the Katy Depot, which showcases regional railroad history. The Daum Museum of Contemporary Art is another must-visit venue with interesting fine art displays.
The median home price is $192,000, and the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $815. Bothwell Medical Center is a 108-bed facility providing comprehensive healthcare services to handle any need. With a cost of living 15% less than the national average, Sedalia is one of the state's least expensive places to live.
Sedalia is known for its barbeque, and two of the best places are Little Big Horn and Kehdes. The downtown area has elegant facades, and many locally owned small businesses offer ample shopping opportunities. Ensure you stop by Ozark Coffee Company, known for its selection of freshly roasted specialty coffees and teas. With its lively events, exciting activities, and friendly community, Sedalia provides retirees with a vibrant and affordable retirement destination.
Carthage
Carthage offers retirees a blend of historic charm, affordability, and a strong sense of community. The town boasts a rich history with beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, such as the iconic Jasper County Courthouse. Retirees can immerse themselves at the Carthage Civil War Museum and Precious Moments Park, which has a beautiful chapel filled with the art of artist Sam Butcher. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby recreational opportunities at Kellogg Lake Park, perfect for picnics, fishing, and a gentle, serene walk near the water.
The median home price is just over $200,000, and the average rent is $800. While nearby Joplin handles most of the intensive healthcare with St. Johns Med Center and Freeman Health Systems, Carthage does have Mercy Hospital, a small 25-bed facility within the city limits. Residents enjoy a living cost of 18% less than the national average.
The downtown square is built around the historic Jasper County Courthouse and has several small shops. The Woodshed Burger House is an eclectic restaurant with fantastic art and even better burgers. Grand Avenue Bed and Breakfast is a nice change of pace from hotel chains, where visitors can step back into Victorian splendor and relax.
Poplar Bluff
Poplar Bluff lies in the state's southeast corner, offering retirees a blend of affordability, southern charm, and various local attractions. The town is surrounded by the stunning Mark Twain National Forest, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Lake Wappapello State Park is beautiful, with a modern campground, rustic cabins, and tons of fishing or boating opportunities.
Those interested in history can explore the Historic Downtown District, featuring beautifully preserved buildings, local boutiques, and cozy cafes. The Margaret Harwell Art Museum offers cultural enrichment with its collection of regional art, while the nearby Ozark Ridge Golf Course provides a scenic backdrop for a round of golf.
The median home price is $177,000, and the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment is $921. The Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is a 412-bed facility serving most of southeastern Missouri. The cost of living is 25% less than the national average, and with 18.8% of the residents aged 65 or older, there is a solid senior community for friendships and socialization. One of the best places for breakfast or lunch is Bread + Butter, and the Fishing Pig is an excellent place for catfish and barbeque.
Bolivar
With around 11,000 residents, Bolivar offers a close-knit community atmosphere where neighbors know each other by name. Retirees will appreciate the quaint mix of housing options, ranging from cozy cottages to spacious homes with scenic views. The median price for a home in Bolivar is $279,000, slightly more expensive than the state average. However, property taxes are minimal, and the state's utility, food, and fuel expenses are some of the lowest.
With over 17.1% of the local population aged 65 and over, there is strong community support for senior adult services, including various social activities designed to keep older retirees active. Stockton Lake and Fantastic Caverns are less than half an hour away, making this rural community the perfect place to reside. Citizens Memorial Hospital is an 86-bed facility that can handle all healthcare services.
Bolivar has a nice city park, Dunnegan Memorial Park, with a tranquil lake inhabited by geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. If you visit, eat at Smith's Restaurant on Highway U southwest of town. It has a quaint homestyle vibe and serves some of the most oversized pork tenderloin sandwiches you will ever find.
Moberly
Moberly is nestled in north-central Missouri in Randolph County, about forty miles north of Columbia. The town formed as a railroad hub and grew rapidly during the mid-1800s railroad boom. Years later, Moberly became famous as the boyhood home of General Omar Bradley, a distinguished five-star general who served during and after World War II. As the first Joint Chief of the Armed Forces, Bradley was instrumental in helping shape military policy for much of the mid-20th century.
The community has a quaint small-town vibe, with a charming downtown area featuring local shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Lula's Tavern is one of the best places for a steak, and Blackmarket BBQ is also a place to indulge in classic smoke-fired fare. Rothwell Park is a well-maintained oasis with paved walking trails for seniors, a disc golf course, picnic areas, and a small lake for fishing.
Access to quality healthcare is a critical consideration for retirees. Moberly Regional Medical Center is a modern facility equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals. The town's median home price is below $100,000, making it one of the most affordable in the state. With its two smaller colleges and the proximity to the University of Missouri at Columbia, there are ample cultural opportunities for seniors to engage in. With 16% of the population over 65, there is also a vibrant social network of retirees.
Maryville
Maryville is the home of Northwest Missouri State University, making it an ideal location for retirees who enjoy a peaceful small-town atmosphere and the energy and vitality of a college town. While housing options in Maryville may be slightly higher than the state average, they are still well below national levels. (The median home value is $295,000). Food and fuel costs are average, and the crime rate is significantly low, allowing retirees to enjoy security and well-being. Healthcare options are also readily available, with Mosiac Medical Center, a 44-bed hospital and critical care facility, located nearby.
The town's historic downtown exudes rustic charm with its tree-lined streets, local boutiques, and inviting cafes. It provides retirees with plenty of opportunities to explore, socialize, and relax. A & G Restaurant is a downtown institution that is a must-visit, as this American/Mediterranean cafe has been serving locals for almost fifty years.
Northwest Missouri State University is an accredited four-year college that allows senior adults to take classes for free without tuition costs as long as space is available. The college hosts ample sporting events, so there are plenty of opportunities to cheer on the NWMSU Bearcats. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the scenic beauty of nearby Mozingo Lake Recreation Park, which offers fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park also has a championship 18-hole golf course that is both challenging and rewarding.
With its affordable cost of living, friendly community spirit, and abundance of recreational opportunities, Maryville, Missouri, is an idyllic destination for retirees seeking a peaceful and fulfilling retirement lifestyle.
Missouri offers a wealth of affordable small towns where residents can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. From Maryville to Sedalia, these hidden gems offer charming communities, affordable housing options, and ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. If you are a retiree seeking tranquility and a welcoming community to live out your golden years, these eight towns in Missouri present promising options for affordable living in 2024.
